Dressing for Christmas Archives

November 30, 2023

CHRISTMAS DRESSING…WITH A TWIST

There is nothing like a diary of pre-festive events to plan for, to focus our clothing choices, let me share my thoughts on Christmas Dressing...with a twist.

Whether it will be presents in our pyjamas or cocktails in our cashmere, one thing is for sure, we will all choose differently.

It goes without saying that we lean towards the more luxurious fabrics at this time of year such as velvets, silks, satins and jacquard. How about we change the narrative on this and see how we can extend the wearing-life of these garments and wear them more regularly throughout the year.

Lovely Lingerie

There is nothing quite like the feel of silk on our skin. I love to wear a sexy lacy under-layer. Wear under a jacket or poking out under a silky shirt. Not simply for Christmas Dressing, I love these options from Yorkshire brand Bella di Notte.

Wonderful Velvets

We seem to reserve the luxury of velvet for Christmas. A pair of Velvet trousers will always look great worn with sparkles and a pair of heels but once the party season is over, why not pair with a pair of posh trainers and a sweatshirt?

Colourful Colour

Colour elevates our mood so share some colour happiness

Lots of brights feature in our stores this season. Colour elevates our mood and influences those around us. That sounds like a good incentive to veer away from our usual deeper colour choices at this time of year and spread some colourful energy. The weather is gloomy enough!

Why not pick up any bolder shades and match it to your jewellery?

Statement Satins

I love the feel of silky satin and wonder why many of us save this pleasure for Christmas? So many ways to style a satin shirt. Try a blouse with silky trousers a swishy skirt or beyond the festivities, pair with your favourite jeans and boots. Why not pick up any bolder shades and match it to your jewellery...as I have done here with the emerald green. Image credit: Steven Curtis Photography

Joyful Jacquard

Swap your sequins for some opulent Jacquard and see how often it could be worn throughout the year... find a stunning jacket and pair with silky or velvet trousers but think about dressing it down with jeans or as an accompaniment to a plainer dress.

A statement jacket will prove to be a wardrobe workhorse and a hero-piece that will take you on many adventures.

I absolutely encourage you to wear your finer pieces, take your lovely jewellery out of hiding and throughout the year. If not now, when? It's time to wear your diamonds with your denim, your gold vermeil with your velvet and rubies with your raincoats.

Our clothes are an expression of our unique and individual identity, wear them whenever you can and feel fabulous. Why just wear your special clothing for special occasions? Every day is our best day

I will have another blog for you before 2023 is over. Any requests for a specific topic?

Much love

Jackie

07494 644788

*Image credit title page Boden

Published by Jackie Crawford in Dressing for Christmas, dressing well on a budget, Seasonal Style, Special Occasion Dressing

Tags: dopamine dressing, Dressing for Christmas, Festive Dressing, image consultant york, image consultant yorkshire, Jackie Crawford Image Consultant, personal brand, Personal Development, Yorkshire Business

December 23, 2022

5 TOP TIPS TO CHRISTMAS DAY DRESSING

I'm often asked what is the best thing to wear on Christmas Day....read on for my 5 Top Tips to Christmas Day Dressing.

There is no right or wrong, it all depends upon you Christmas looks like for you.

We all need something different from our clothes and actually, this is true whatever the occasion, whatever the season and however we wish to feel in our clothes.

Presents in our PJ's

Will it be a simpler Christmas with our families where the idea of presents in our Pyjama's will appeal or maybe you are intending to enjoy cocktails in cashmere? Or perhaps you prefer an altogether smarter affair when you will be pulling on some sparkles?

Whatever you choice, here are my favourite top 5 Christmas Day Dressing tips.

Decide now what you are going to wear...and plan

Is it clean? Does your blouse need a button replaced? Does it still fit? How do you feel in it? Remember you may be wearing it all day.

Nothing worse than pulling something from your wardrobe on Christmas Day when time is premium and it doesn't cut the mustard.

Shower and do your make-up

Make-up first thing...you may not get another chance

First thing (perhaps once you have attended to popping your Turkey in the oven), have a shower and fix your face.....time will disappear through your fingers and you may not get chance before your guests arrive. I KNOW! I've been there.

Only dress your bottom half

If you are the Christmas Chef, only dress your bottom half whilst you continue to prepare the 'messy' bits, then all you have to do is change your top. Don't cook in anything new...you don't wish to risk a spillage on it's first outing. Love this opulent velvet option from Sosander

Don't wear your heels too soon

Wearing heels? Don't put them on too soon and certainly not whilst you are lifting the Turkey about...those birds are heavy. You don't want to topple over.

Aren't they a smashing colour. Remember a smarter velvet can become a wardrobe staple for occasions throughout the year. These from Marks and Spencer.

Sequins are not just for Christmas

Nothing quite like the opluence of sequins at this festive time. Don't just save them for Christmas, you can extend them into the New Year celebrations and of course in true sustainability style, throughout the year too.

Have you decided upon your Christmas Day outfit yet?

What a year 2022 has been so I bring it to a close wishing you a most wonderful Christmas with your loved ones.

Thank you for being part of my community and I wish you seasonal magic and sparkle.

Jackie Crawford

07494 644788

Published by Jackie Crawford in Christmas, Dressing for Christmas, Seasonal Style, Special Occasion Dressing, Sustainability, Uncategorized

Tags: Body Confidence, Body positivity, Dressing for Christmas, dressing for success, Jackie Crawford Image Consultant, Personal Stylist Yorkshire, sustainable fashion, Yorkshire Business

November 30, 2020

WHAT TO WEAR FOR CHRISTMAS – 2020 STYLE

If it were anytime prior to Christmas 2020 we would be fast approaching the busiest time of year in our social calendars. The task of choosing our party outfit would have been high on our agenda! What to wear for Christmas - 2020 style may look a little different.

With a global pandemic to contend with, partying may not be top priority. However it is still an opportunity to wriggle out of our leisurewear in favour of something a little more special. We still want to feel good, right?

You may not be heading far and the party atmosphere may be more subdued this year so selecting something that lifts our mood is a good start. How about opting for something a little more glitzy and glamorous? Remember the power our clothes have to make us feel good?

Ready to Party at Home?

So what to wear for Christmas - 2020 style when we may not even be heading out of the door?

I am an advocate of choosing outfits that offer real flexibility so opting for pieces that can mix and match with others is a good strategy. Despite the year we have all experienced, it is still essential to incorporate some sparkle this season. So don’t forget the opulent velvet and standout sequins. Here are some of my favourites this season:

Dark Green Sparkle Top by Whistles

The Sparkly Top that you can wear at home with jeans or easily paired for an evening out with smart trousers or a skirt. Although this year, a sparkle in the trouser department is bang on trend.

TOP TIP: If you are the Christmas Chef, only dress your bottom half whilst you are doing the ‘messy’ bits, then all you have to do is change your top. Don't be tempted to cook the Christmas lunch in any new item of clothing. You don't want to risk any spillage on its first outing!

Amy Embellished Flats by Boden

Don’t forget the embellished shoes that add some daytime glamour. If you are heading out, remember of course that they will not withstand much wet weather nor snow, if we are dreaming of a white Christmas!

Nothing says Christmas quite like sequins and can be found on dresses and tops alike and will become wardrobe staples for year after year!

Nancy Velvet Top by Boden

I love the 'feel appeal' of velvet which looks great on for a luxurious festive look – I particularly like the wide leg trousers with a floaty feminine top taking you effortlessly from Christmas drinks to Christmas Day.

A Jumpsuit is a great alternative to a dress or separates – one piece and you’re done! They tend to be very flattering for most body shapes. Depending upon the occasion, they are an easy item to dress up or down – flat pumps for a party at home and heels for a ‘bubble party’ elsewhere.

What if I am heading out!

So (if like a friend of mine) you are planning a special celebration that includes a country walk to a cosy pub, I recommend a toasty knee length skirt or trousers and jumper combo with a fab pair of opaque tights. Your outdoor boots can then be switched to a smarter pair when you arrive. Equally a jumpsuit tucked into wellies is another option with a change of footwear at the end.

Don’t forget to wrap up this season so look out for the variety of faux fur hats, scarves and wraps.

Any when you are ready to cosy up?

At the end of the day, returning to the cosy and comfortable in a favourite pair of PJ’s and slippers Hygge style, is a choice you can easily make.

Hopefully you are more clued up about what to wear for Christmas - 2020 style but for some further inspiration, take a peek at my Christmas Sparkle Pinterest Board here. Do hurry if you wish catch some price reductions in the pre-Christmas sales. It's also worth remembering the smaller boutiques and independents will really appreciate our support this year.

If you’ve been following my ‘live’ #SustainableStrides series over on Facebook, you will remember me speaking of the feel good factor associated with choosing clothes more sustainably. This could be wearing and re-purposing the clothes we already have in our wardrobe or selecting new pieces from manufacturers and brands - transparent with their sustainable credentials. If we choose our clothing carefully for Christmas, these special items will come out year after year. Read more here.

Do get in touch if you'd like to learn more about the colours that best suit you or the styles that suit your body shape, lifestyle and personality. I would love to hear from you. Did you know that I also offer GIFT VOUCHERS for my services? You might wish to pop one on your list for Santa.

May I take this opportunity of wishing you a very Jolly Careful Christmas and wish you all that sparkles.

Stylishly Yours

Jackie Crawford

07494 644788

Published by Jackie Crawford in Christmas, Dressing for Christmas, Holiday Dressing, Seasonal Style, Shopping Mindfully, Special Occasion Dressing, Sustainable Fashion